In April, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 0.5 percentage point from 6.6% to 6.1%. At the same time, the provincial unemployment rate decreased to 8.7%, both unadjusted for seasonality.

Overall net employment in the region increased by 3,300, with full-time gains (6,800) and part-time losses (-3,500). This employment change shows a greater sign of economic recovery and resilience in the local labour market with the third provincial lockdown still being effective.

The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by net 2,700. The main driving force came from significant gains in Construction (1,500) and Manufacturing (1,400).

Employment in the Services-producing sector also increased by net 600. The greatest losses were in Wholesale and retail trade (-2,900) while the most gains came from Educational services (1,500) and Accommodation and food services (2,200).

“We see continued recovery in Accommodation and food services sector with increases now surpassing pre-pandemic levels, 10,800 vs. 9 000.” says Gemma Mendez-Smith, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. "Some sectors like Agriculture and Wholesale and retail trade are still feeling the effects of the pandemic, and the third lockdown," she continued.

Current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased overtime since the pandemic and can be found at: www.connect2JOBS.ca. This is updated regularly so visit often to see the job opportunities. At the time of this release postings stood over 2,000 across the four county region.

source: media release, Four County Labour Market Planning Board